3 easy ways to make a small kitchen feel bigger
A small kitchen does not mean the quality and craftsmanship should be sacrificed. Working with a smaller surface area simply demands more innovative thinking and design flare. Not to mention smaller kitchen-friendly products which are available at ICE Interior Kitchen Studio in Lymington,
Alongside this, there are several simple tricks to make a room feel bigger to the customer; manipulating light, choosing specific colours and drawing focus to certain points in the room to name a few.
ICE can assist and inspire your future designs, here 3 simple tips and tricks to making a small kitchen feel bigger.
FIRSTLY, PLAN AHEAD…
Small kitchens can be difficult to design as having a reduced area to work with can pose limitations. As a result, small kitchen layouts need to be diligently planned to ensure every inch of the room is utilised to maximise the space available.
Depending on the available space there are particular layouts that can make a room feel bigger and more spacious. For example, reduced depth units are perfect for narrow, galley kitchens as they direct the eyes to the end of the kitchen and instil a sense of spaciousness. A box room with cupboards across all four walls can feel small and closed in, so instead, opt for an L-Shaped kitchen with cupboards along two walls which encourages a flow of movement around the room. We make our cabinetry to order so we can specifically tailor your kitchen to your specific requirements, and you do not just have to accept the standard one size option offered by some of the sheds!
DE-CLUTTER WITH HIDDEN STORAGE
Incorporating built-in clever storage systems that can place items out of sight, is a simple yet highly effective way of making a kitchen seem more open. Worksurfaces that are littered with pots of coffee, cooking oils and tea towels, can seem cluttered and reduce how open the space feels. Our 150mm Base Unit Pull Outs are the perfect under storage for these everyday items that take up valuable surface space. We can design custom made storage specifically designed for how you live and for your essential equipment, and recently a client wanted a dedicated area where they could easily access their Thermomix blender, but also conceal it when not in use, and a tambour unit with a double socket inside tucked in a corner was the perfect solution in this case.
We have a wide range of solutions that can optimise the storage space within cupboards, such as the Kesseböhmer iMove – Easy to use, more reachable storage, a clearer view, fast access. This innovative pull-down transforms a conventional wall unit into an ergonomic storage system, adding considerable convenience for the user. This is because all of the stored items are moved downwards and in front of the unit in one elegant movement. pull-out tray that swings out of a corner cabinet in one swift and smooth motion. Just one of many options and please pop in to our Kitchen Studio in Lymington, for a coffee and chat about how we can help.
USE A LIGHT-ENHANCING COLOUR PALETTE
Light or pale colours reflect light around the room which is a great way of expanding the space visually. This doesn’t have to necessarily just be white! The palette of different colours to choose from is huge and instead try Dry Rose, Ives Blue, Sage Green or Dove Grey. For customers who are set on deeper colour cabinet doors, balance darker shades with light countertops! Come and visit us in our Lymington Kitchen Studio.
Lighting is often left as an afterthought in a kitchen design, however in a smaller kitchen it is crucial to get it right, and task lighting above a worktop work area to ambient uplighting are elements we can help with during the design stages.
Another way of manipulating light is using reflective surfaces. This can be applied on a smaller scale with accessories such as mirrors or trays. However, it can also be done through the kitchen design with glass or mirrored splashbacks which can be customer made to create a real ‘wow factor’ statement. We also offer a feature range of glazed doors that add a sophisticated accent to cabinet doors whilst opening the space. Available in a choice of Bronze, Black and the latest addition, Black Fluted.
Why not contact us to discuss your new exciting kitchen project, we would be delighted to chat through any of your ideas or even if you just want some advice. We are based in Lymington Hampshire on the edge of the New Forest.
